India Achieves Milestone: First Indigenous Chip Certified for Telecom Systems, Boosting Self-Reliance

India has taken a historic leap in its semiconductor journey as the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) granted approval for a telecom system powered entirely by an indigenously designed and manufactured chip. This marks the first time in the country’s history that a homegrown chip has been certified for complex telecom operations, signaling a turning point in India’s semiconductor ambitions.

Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the achievement on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “big leap in India’s semiconductor story.” He emphasized that the TEC certification demonstrates India’s ability to design, produce, and deploy chips that meet international benchmarks for quality, security, and performance.

What TEC Approval Really Means

The TEC certification is far more than just a regulatory stamp. It is an assurance that the product complies with the strict performance and security standards set by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Since telecom forms the backbone of India’s digital economy, this approval validates that indigenous chips are ready to support critical infrastructure.

Industry experts believe this milestone will open doors for domestic as well as export markets, allowing Indian chips to directly compete with global players. For telecom operators and equipment manufacturers, the certification also encourages adoption of locally made chips, reducing dependence on imports.

Why This Milestone Matters

For decades, India has relied on imports to meet its demand for chips used in smartphones, telecom towers, cars, and data centers. The TEC approval is therefore not just symbolic—it represents a strategic step towards reducing dependency and building a self-sustaining semiconductor ecosystem.

The initiative aligns with the government’s flagship programs like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, both of which aim to boost domestic manufacturing and technological independence. Although India is yet to establish a full-fledged advanced semiconductor fabrication unit, progress has been significant in chip design, assembly, and testing capabilities.

Currently, India is focusing on producing chips in the 28nm to 65nm range. While these nodes are not the most advanced compared to sub-5nm chips used in AI and premium smartphones, they remain crucial for telecom, automotive, and industrial applications.

India’s Strategy in the Global Chip Race

Globally, giants like TSMC and Samsung dominate the advanced node market, racing to perfect cutting-edge chips below 5nm. India, however, is carving out its own path by focusing on mature nodes—an area that remains vital but less competitive.

According to Bastion Research, India’s semiconductor strategy is not about direct confrontation with global leaders in ultra-advanced chips. Instead, the country aims to provide world-class integration services and scalable solutions, addressing gaps exposed during recent global chip shortages.

The report highlights that India has both the engineering talent and technical expertise to scale rapidly. With a growing workforce skilled in chip design and system integration, the country is positioning itself as a reliable hub for semiconductors in the coming decade.

Looking Ahead: The Road for Indian Chips

The TEC certificate carries both symbolic and practical significance. Symbolically, it reflects India’s growing technological confidence. Practically, it validates the quality of indigenous chips, making them viable alternatives for telecom operators and manufacturers who otherwise depend on costly imports.

In the long term, this achievement could accelerate investments in domestic semiconductor fabs, research, and ecosystem development. By focusing on mature yet essential chip technologies, India is laying the groundwork to strengthen its role in global supply chains while steadily moving toward advanced capabilities.

Conclusion

The approval of India’s first telecom system powered by a homegrown chip marks a watershed moment in the nation’s digital and industrial journey. As the country works to balance self-reliance with global competitiveness, this milestone sends a strong message: India is no longer just a consumer of semiconductors—it is now an emerging producer with global ambitions.